For a future with a past: The nature and activities of preserving historical sites in Liechtenstein
Historical sites make the past present and shape the cultural landscape. They are part of our identity, an important element for the image of our country, and also a significant factor for business and tourism.

The Liechtenstein Cultural Heritage Division is the authority that takes care of this heritage throughout the country, protecting, preserving, and maintaining cultural assets. The preservation of historical sites by the State can, however, only be successful if it is supported by a broad consensus. Cultural heritage belongs to all of us, and in the end, every one of us shares responsibility for it.

Only through cooperation between owners, an engaged public, and the Cultural Heritage Division can these values be secured for the future. The Cultural Heritage Division therefore not only considers itself a specialized authority, but also as the institution that passes on the necessary historical and technological knowledge in its function as a Government service and that strives to be open to wishes and suggestions.

The Cultural Heritage Division, as part of the Building and Fire Authority of the Principality of Liechtenstein, is responsible for the preservation of historical sites and for archeology. Its responsibilities arise from the Historical Preservation Act of 1977 (Liechtenstein Legal Gazette 1977 No. 39) , the Charter of Venice of 1964, and the Convention of the Council of Europe for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe of 3 October 1985 (Granada Convention), which Liechtenstein ratified in 1988. They all share the objective of preserving historical sites. Historical sites include buildings, groups of buildings, and constructions as well as movable objects that are worth preserving due to their cultural, historical, artistic, or architectural value. These values are to be researched and, where possible, to be secured in the environment in which they have developed. The Liechtenstein Cultural Heritage Division fulfills these responsibilities through inventory, construction research, protective measures, and construction advice. Documentation and administration supplement the work of the Cultural Heritage Division. The Cultural Heritage Division is assisted in fulfilling its responsibilities by the Historical Preservation Commission of the Government. An essential means for preserving historical sites is support through State subsidies. The Government allocates these subsidies on the recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Division and the Commission for measures to restore historical protected objects. Since 1950, about 175 movable (altars, documents, church treasures, etc.) and unmovable (churches, chapels, factories, farm houses, etc.) cultural assets in Liechtenstein have been placed under historical protection.

The restored Chapel of St. Mary is Triesen was the centerpiece
of the 2003 European Architectural Heritage Day in Liechtenstein